Martha's Chapel

Robinson's settlement became a stronghold for Methodist activity in Southeast Texas in the early 1830s. By 1839 a campground, church, and school were established here on land given by William and Elizabeth Robinson to The Rev. Littleton Fowler, Superintendent of Methodism in the Republic of Texas. Early clergy who visited and served here included Isaac Strickland, Jesse Hord, Joseph P. Sneed, and Bishop Thomas A. Morris. The Fourth Texas Methodist Conference met here in 1843, with Bishop James O. Andrew presiding. The church and the area became known as Martha's Chapel in 1854 after Martha Palmer, wife of a church trustee, died and was buried behind the church building. During the pastorate of The Rev. James G. Johnson (1812-1887), it was also referred to as Johnson's Chapel. At his death, Johnson bequeathed funds to complete the construction of the third and last place of worship at this site. It was dedicated on October 18, 1887, by Bishop W. W. Duncan. Although the congregation disbanded in the 1930s, ending a century of Methodism in this area, the Martha's Chapel Cemetery remains as a reminder of the area's pioneer heritage.

Martha's Chapel is a historical marker in Walker County, Texas, dedicated in 1990. It is one of 69 historical markers documented in Walker County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 85 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.6511, -95.6336. The nearest cataloged historic site is Jardine-Browne House (historical marker), about 2.3 miles away. Others within a short drive include Sam Houston Industrial and Training School, Ebenezer Cemetery, and Union Hill Church.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5471008463. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.